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Get a lightning-fast VPN for Apple TV

  • Stay safe on your favorite streaming services
  • Install with ease and protect your TV in seconds
  • Connect to 3,200+ servers in 100 countries
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30-day money-back guarantee

How to set up a VPN for Apple TV

Newer Apple TV models — like Apple TV HD and Apple TV 4K — have tvOS and can run VPN (Virtual Private Network) apps. Install Surfshark VPN’s dedicated Apple TV app via the App Store — it’s that easy! 

Got an older Apple TV? Don’t worry. Users with earlier first, second, and third-generation devices can follow alternative instructions to get their Apple TV VPN up and running.

Subscribe to Surfshark

1. Subscribe to Surfshark

One Surfshark account allows unlimited simultaneous connections, so you can launch your Apple TV VPN on multiple devices at once.

Download the app from the App Store

2. Download the app from the App Store

Go to the App Store on your Apple TV and search for Surfshark VPN. Download and install the app.

Log in and connect

3. Log in and connect

Log into your Surfshark VPN app and connect to your server of choice for greater online security.

Set up a VPN on your router

Set up a VPN on your router

1. Check whether your router is VPN-compatible.
2. Download and install a VPN service like Surfshark on your router.
3. Connect to a VPN server of your choice.

For a detailed explanation, check our guide on how to install a VPN on your router.

Set up a virtual router with a VPN

Set up a virtual router with a VPN

1. Download and install the Surfshark app on a Windows computer.
2. Configure the VPN adapter to allow sharing and create a Wi-Fi hotspot.
3. Connect your Apple TV to the hotspot.

Want an in-depth look? Check out our virtual router setup guide.

Set up SmartDNS on your Apple TV*

Set up SmartDNS on your Apple TV*

1. Sign in to your Surfshark account in the web app.
2. Activate the SmartDNS option.
3. Manually enter your smart DNS address in your Apple TV’s DNS settings.

Need more help with the process? We’ve got a comprehensive guide for enabling SmartDNS on your TV.

*SmartDNS is only available to US residents as we only offer US IP addresses with this feature.

Keep all devices safe with Surfshark

Surfshark VPN offers much more than an Apple TV app. You can use a VPN on your Fire TV, Android TV, and other devices to safely access content and your favorite local streaming platforms. 

Disclaimer: Please note that using Surfshark services with your Apple TV or other device for any illegal activities is strictly forbidden and violates our Terms of Service. Make sure that any use of Surfshark services for your particular activities conforms to all relevant laws and regulations, including those of any streaming services and websites you access using Surfshark.

Why should you use a VPN for Apple TV?

A VPN brings you greater online privacy and security on all your devices, including Apple TV. It encrypts your connection, keeping streaming activities hidden from your ISP (Internet Service Provider), network snoops, and other third parties. It also helps prevent traffic-based ISP bandwidth throttling, delivering a smoother viewing experience.     

Why should you use a VPN for Apple TV?

Why is Surfshark one of the best VPN options for Apple TV?

Lightning-fast speeds

Surfshark’s server network is built on RAM-only, 10Gbps servers, enabling throttle-free streaming if your ISP is trying to slow down your internet based on traffic type. Download and connect to Surfshark to watch your top programs with our app for Apple TV and spend less time buffering with fewer bandwidth restrictions. 

Industry-leading encryption

Apple TV is generally safe, but what if you want to use it on public Wi-Fi? With Surfshark, your security is always in good hands. Our Apple TV app uses AES-256 and ChaCha20 encryption algorithms to keep your data safe at all times.

Vast server network

Surfshark has 3,200+ VPN servers spread across 100 countries worldwide. With more server locations, it’s easier to find a nearby server in your home country that unlocks a fast VPN connection for your streaming services and other online activities.   

More streaming content while abroad

Don’t want to travel without your top shows? Take Apple TV with you! Surfshark VPN can make any café, airport, or hotel your home away from home and help you watch content on your favorite local streaming services while on the go. Connect from anywhere and make the world your living room.

Unlimited simultaneous connections

Whether you’re using your Apple TV, Android TV, phone, computer, or another smart device — you should always use a VPN. Surfshark offers unlimited simultaneous connections, allowing you to keep your VPN active on all your devices with a single account.

All-in-one cybersecurity suite

No matter what paid plan you choose, Surfshark has your back with additional features and products that provide all-around protection on the web. From our CleanWeb Ad Blocker to our Alternative ID for private logins, get elevated online security that goes far beyond your Apple TV.  

A VPN for all Apple TV generations

You can download the Surfshark VPN app from the App Store on the newest Apple TV devices:

  • Apple TV 4K;
  • Apple TV HD.

You can use SmartDNS or set up a VPN on your router for added security on older Apple TV devices:

  • Apple TV 1st Gen;
  • Apple TV 2nd Gen;
  • Apple TV 3rd Gen.
A VPN for all Apple TV generations

Surfshark VPN vs. free VPNs

Whether you use a VPN with Apple TV or anything else, a paid VPN provides better performance and more robust security than free VPN providers.

A VPN with a free plan can sell your personal data and bombard you with ads. Why? If a VPN service can’t make money on its own, you become the product.

Free VPNs also often have data caps, speed limits, or fewer server locations to convince you their paid VPN is better. A VPN for Apple TV should enhance your streaming experience, not restrict it, so it’s best to stay away from a subpar VPN service.

When it comes to quality and privacy, the best Apple TV VPN is a paid VPN.

Surfshark VPN vs. free VPNs

3,200+ servers, 100 countries, 6 continents

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3,200+ servers, 100 countries, 6 continents

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*Alternative Number can be purchased separately as an add-on.
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Check out Surfshark’s 30-day money-back guarantee

An Apple TV VPN is a risk-free investment with our money-back guarantee. If you’re unconvinced that Surfshark is the best VPN for you within the first month, you can request a full refund — no questions asked.

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Check out Surfshark’s 30-day money-back guarantee

Frequently asked questions

Yes, you can download a VPN app on Apple TV HD or Apple TV 4K via the App Store — just install it like any other app. While older Apple TV generations can’t run an app, you can still use a VPN connection via a router or another device.

There are four ways to set up a VPN on Apple TV:

  1. Download the appropriate app from the App Store.
  2. Set up the VPN on a router that the Apple TV is connected to.
  3. Use a Windows PC to set up a virtual router with VPN connectivity.
  4. Configure the Apple TV to use a smart DNS service. 

While the last method won’t provide full VPN functionality, it can help with things like masking your IP (Internet Protocol) address and physical location.

VPNs that work on Apple TV are ones that:

  • Can be found in the App Store on your Apple TV;
  • Can be set up on your home Wi-Fi router;
  • Work on Windows to set up a virtual router;
  • Have a smart DNS feature.

Surfshark is a VPN provider that’s compatible with all of these methods.

There are some free VPN alternatives for Apple TVs, but using them isn’t recommended. Free tools tend to slow down your connection and are generally less secure than other VPNs. The best Apple TV VPN will likely be a paid option with a 30-day money-back guarantee. 

The Surfshark VPN app can be installed on Apple TV HD and Apple TV 4K (any generation). But if your Apple TV is older (first, second, or third generation), you can still set up a VPN on your router. This will protect all devices connected to your home network, including any generation of Apple TV devices, along with Fire TV, Android TV, and more.

To change your VPN location on Apple TV:

  1. Open your VPN app.
  2. Choose a server in the country you want. 
  3. Connect to the server.

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